Choosing the School that Best Fits You

In the United States there are approximately 5,300 4-year and 2-year colleges and universities. I imagine as a high school student you can probably name between 5-10 of these schools, but even more so you have no idea what makes each unique, if they are the best fit for you or even how much they cost. So how can one individual choose one college or university to attend out of approximately 5,300 schools? 
First don’t focus on the 5,300 focus on the 5-10 that you can name! Ask yourself why I know these schools? Starting here will help you answer some key questions that follow. A school’s reputation often holds a lot of weight in the decision making process for both you and your parent. However, look a little deeper. The next question is do they offer my major and if so, what are their alumni who hold this degree currently doing? Alumni can be seen as a mirror to the school’s job placement upon graduating. Looking at what alumni in the field you hope to enter are currently doing is a major key to how your network upon graduating will look. In addition alumni giving is important. Often times we support what we believe is a good cause or has helped us reach a pinnacle in life. If alumni giving is down and it is not a reflection of the economy I’d be concerned. 
Who are your professors? Just as alumni paint a picture so do the faculty and staff of the school. Has your professor published research? What were/are their jobs before being a professor? What percentage of the faculty holds a Ph.D.? These are the people who will inevitably have a direct impact on your life. A Google search of the faculty in your major’s department will assist you with answering these questions, but it is also important to ask the admissions counselor. 
After you have decided if they have your intended major now look at the structure of the school. Is the school liberal arts, researched based, a technical college, private or public? This is vital, this will give you an idea of how your courses will be completed, but even more so look at the course catalog. You do not have to be a current student to access the course catalog. Most schools have the catalog available online in the Registrar section. Keep in mind the year you enroll in school is the course catalog you will use and they are printed annually. For example if you begin classes in 2017 you will use the course catalog for 2017 until you graduate in 2021. 
Last bust definitely not least, what is campus life like? Is this a party school or a private, quiet Christian school? What types of clubs and organizations are offered on campus, what are the annual activities? How diverse is the student population? Most schools post this information on their website under campus life, but if you want the truth ask current students. Engage students of different backgrounds to get the best picture of what campus life is like. 
This is not an exhaustive list but it will get you going in the right direction. I advise you to make a spreadsheet with your parents of the things that are most important to you in a school and as you review and research fill in the spreadsheet. 
Once you have narrowed down your list then it is time to take a campus visit. This will answer some of your questions. 
Join me in the coming weeks as I will be discussing the exciting and anxiety filled college tour!